Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-04-25
WATERFORD.
A Gala week-CIosiug Exercises of tho
Public Schools.

ing the model public graded schools of
the southwest, aud the closing exercises
of the past week prove that claim is justly
made.
The. board of trustees, composed Of
Mayor John r. Mackenzie, w. B. Mil
Ter, w. r. Shannon, G NJ. Bowie, A. F.
Starr, r. W. Kindel ans NJ. T. Emanuel,
constitute one of the most intelligent,
progressive and enthusiastic boards to
be found in the state, and it is by the
able and earnest support these gentle
men have given their superintendent and
teachers that the echoOls have been en-
sbled to make the unparalleled advance
made during the past wear.
Superintendent G II. Woodward Justly
deserves recognition by all friendly to a
high standard of excellence in public
school work. During the past
year he has given evidence
of professional attainments, scholarly
ability and tact equaled by few and
surpassed by none His methods of
instruction and plans of presenting the
several subjects to 1.-THE teachers and
classes are deserving of the very highest
commentator. His relations with his
teachers and pupils is ever of that CHEEKY,
happy character that begets pleasurable
condition which enlists pupils and
teachers in their school and work be-
cause of the love of it. His executive
ability and power Of enlisting patrons in
every advance toward higher plane in
educational affairs is seldom surpassed.
The teachers have all addressed them
selves faithfully and earnestly to the in
structi0n of their pupils, and have given
the most fIJfering evidence of their pro-
o1 Cly nd IL f+ai
The instruction given their several de-
partments has been of the progressive
and praCtiCa kind, and will carry an en-
thusiasm and Inspiration to our schools
such as has never been felt before.
The public schools of WeatherfOrd be-
gan their closing exercises on Wednes-
day afternoon, April 20. The two ward
schools and the several grades of the
central building marched to the opera
house in one CONTIGUOUS line. Beautiful
satin banners were borne by the pupils to
designate the grade, and in justice TO our
young people we desire to say that this
line of march was the pref
test display of the youth, beauty
and brain of our town that we have ever
beheld. The people of Weatherford had
assembled st the opera house to see and
hear what their children had learned.
They were not disappointed, for, begin
ming with the High school, the pupils
were carried through a close examination.
The great proficiency shown by the pupils
in physiology, philosophy and physical
geography reflects great credit upon their
instructor, Professor wing. The, en&
thusiasm of the filth and sixth grades in
charge of Professors G. S. and W W.
Barnett was marked, and parents of the
pupils seemed to be delighted with their
progress. All of the departments Of the
school showed COnclusivelY that the
pupils hal been we'll instructed.
The literary feature of the closing began
Thursday afternoon with the children,
and it is the unanimous verdict of the
people that WeatherfOrd has never be-
fore seen an entertainment given by chill
dTen so we'll prepared, managed and pre-
sented. Mother GOOse's Reception, Co
lumbla's Union Party, the May Party and
CalistheniC Drill received many Justly de-
served compliments.
By 1880 O'Clock on Thursday evening
the street in front of the opera-hOuse was
literally packed with parents and friends
of the school anxious to secure seats to
witness the first annual high school COM
menCement. The exercises of the even
drama entitled the HOOsier Schoolmaster,
representative of the experience and trials
of an old-time sChoolmaster, or life in
Flat creek. This play was well rendered
and highly pleasing TO large and intelli-
gent audience.
Following this feature of the evening
came the addresses of the graduating
class. Mr.. S. d. EOnger spoke of THE
New UniOn," and gave evidence of q
power and ability as a speaker Of which
his friends have reason to feel proud.
Miss Minnie Nicholson chose for her sub
iect, "YOutn," and by her pleasing de-
livery and fascinating manner, showed a
latent elOCutiOnary power that merits
development and training. DR.. r. W.
Kindel conferred the diplomas in a bIief
but pointed and pleasing address.
DR. John r. Mackenzie awarded the
gold medals to the several meritoriOus
pupils, with few pleasing remarks of
encouragement. Superintendent Wood
ward followed with & brief talk thank
ing teachers, pupils and patrons for
the hearty support given him in his du-
ties as superintendent and directed at
tention to the plan and purpose of the ex
position Of school work at the central
school building.
The browning feature Of the en-
tire years work was the exposition,
being an exhaustive display of all kinds
of written work The High School and
seventh grade made q very creditable
display of written work in physiology, !
philosophy, physical geography, civil gov
ernment-in fact every line of work in
curriculum. The drawings in philosophy
Ind physiology attracted the admiration
of all visitors.
The sixth gIade was in charge Of Pro-
lessor w. w. Barnett. The display in
this department evinced untiring energy
on the part of both pupils and teacher,
and THE GAZETTE correspondent dare say
it could not be excelIed by any in the |
state. The first branch noticed was
geography. Here was found !
the most beautiful display
of maps and outlines we
have ever seen, and done by the hands of |
the pupils. A large pyramid il the cen
q. 81, +oT ncir NF